One of the most robust and active aquarium fish available. Native to South Asia, they are a model organism in science due to their genetics. They are extremely active top-level swimmers that must be kept in schools to prevent stress and fin-nipping. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water with a current.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Short Finned)
The wild-type form (striped) or the 'Leopard' morph (spotted). Extremely fast swimmers that enjoy strong flow.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Leopard Danio, Gold Danio, Blue Danio, Frankei
Long Finned
Selectively bred for long, flowing fins. These are slightly less agile than the standard form and should not be kept with severe fin nippers. Flow should be moderate rather than high to prevent exhaustion.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Veiltail Danio
GloFish Danio
Genetically modified to fluoresce under blue/actinic light. Husbandry is identical to the Standard Zebra Danio.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Starfire Red, Electric Green, Sunburst Orange, Cosmic Blue, Galactic Purple
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesZebra Danio Care Guide Summary
The Zebra Danio, scientifically known as Danio rerio, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Zebra Danio requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Zebra Danio is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Short Finned), Long Finned, and GloFish Danio. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Zebra Danio Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Zebra Danio, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper. Browse smooth aquarium gravel options to find the best fit.
Zebra Danio Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Zebra Danio is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Zebra Danio.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 21 more tank sizes
Zebra Danio Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Zebra Danio will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food — target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help. Find quality Zebra Danio fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Danio
How big does Zebra Danio get?
Zebra Danio (Danio rerio) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Zebra Danio need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Zebra Danio. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Zebra Danio need?
Zebra Danio thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Zebra Danio peaceful or aggressive?
Zebra Danio is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Zebra Danio should be kept together?
Zebra Danio is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Zebra Danio have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Zebra Danio benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Zebra Danio need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Zebra Danio is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Giant Danio
Devario aequipinnatus
The Giant Danio is a robust, incredibly active schooling fish native to fast-flowing streams in South Asia. Known for their striking blue and gold horizontal stripes, they are constantly in motion and require long tanks with strong water flow. Due to their boisterous nature, they make excellent 'dither fish' for mild-mannered cichlids but should not be kept with slow, shy, or long-finned species as they will easily outcompete them for food.
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Zebra Loach
Botia striata
A highly active, beautifully striped bottom dweller endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Unlike some larger botiid loaches, the Zebra Loach is peaceful and stays relatively small, making it an excellent community fish. They are highly social, strict schooling fish that establish complex pecking orders. They are also famous for being voracious consumers of pest snails.
Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora)
Danio margaritatus
A breathtaking nano fish native to small, vegetated ponds in Myanmar. They feature a midnight blue body covered in pearlescent spots with striking red and black striped fins. CPDs are notoriously shy and require heavily planted aquariums to feel secure. Males will constantly display and mock-spar with each other, so a larger group is essential to disperse this behavior.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
A hardy, peaceful, and active schooling fish famous for its ability to thrive in unheated, sub-tropical aquariums. Native to the mountain streams of China, they feature a bronze body with a striking neon-like lateral stripe and red-tipped fins. They are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Celebes Rainbowfish
Marosatherina ladigesi
An active, schooling fish native to the karst (limestone) streams of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known for their striking neon blue lateral stripes and yellowish fins. They strictly require hard, alkaline water to thrive and are highly sensitive to soft, acidic conditions. A peaceful species that requires plenty of open swimming space.